Bicycles – The Berlin Spectatorhttps://berlinspectator.com
This is Berlin.Wed, 03 Jun 2020 19:51:55 +0000en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1https://berlinspectator.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-logo-berlin-spectator-023-SQUARE-512-2-32x32.jpgBicycles – The Berlin Spectatorhttps://berlinspectator.com
3232159402125Germany: Country of Cyclists Thanks to Coronahttps://berlinspectator.com/2020/06/03/germany-country-of-cyclists-thanks-to-corona/
Wed, 03 Jun 2020 09:27:23 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=21560There is a bicycle renaissance in Germany. This means of transport on two wheels is being loved again, thanks to an unloved virus.]]>

There is a bicycle renaissance in Germany. This means of transport on two wheels is being loved again, thanks to an unloved virus.

On International World Bicycle Day, one thing is crystal clear: Germans love their bicycles. They sit on them more and more, they buy them like crazy, as if there were no tomorrow, they use them to get from A to B, to C and back to A. And they take them for joy rides.

Oat and Water

Once upon a time, horses were replaced by walking bikes. The latter did not need oat or water, they were less moody and did not sh*t on the street. Some 170 years ago, walking bikes got pedals. From that moment on, they were velocipedes. Today, the machines known as bicycles come in many versions.

One of Berlin’s modern bike lanes was installed at ‘Hasenheide’. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

There are e-bikes, touring bikes, city bikes, mountain bikes, racing bikes, trekking bikes, Dutch bikes and many other kinds. In Germany, they are selling like hot bagels these days. Bicycle stores and workshops are being overrun. At a bike shop in Berlin’s Neukölln district, having a flat tire changed takes a week these days.

Deceleration on Velocipeds

That is because so many people rediscover their bicycle in the basement. So they have it repaired in order to get back on the street. Deceleration is the trend. During the Corona lockdown, little bicycle trips were always allowed. The city state of Berlin even left bike shops open while the rest of Germany closed them.

Bikes may not have A/Cs, but they are great machines. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

In this crisis, people, including Berliners, are not too keen on using public transport because they believe that is where the Coronavirus is being spread. The alternative is the bicycle. Berlin is not Amsterdam. But more and more residents sit on their velocipeds.

Pop-Up Bike Lanes

The bicycle is the one item that has benefits only. It takes people places, it helps them get in shape and lose weight just on time for the beach season, and it even motivates politicians to change things. The Berlin Senate is speeding up the traffic transition it was planning anyway.

Cyclists are safe on these lanes in Berlin. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

In the early days of this crisis, there were more bicycles than cars on the streets of Berlin. The Senate reacted by having pop-up bike lanes installed. There are quite a few of them by now. Some of those lanes are supposed to stay.

Modern Bike Lanes

Decades ago, Germany was plastered with almost useless and narrow bike lanes on top of the nation’s sidewalks. Today’s modern bike lanes are much wider and safer. In Berlin, cyclists are being protected from cars by bollards. The German capital uses construction site signs to mark those pop-up bike lanes.

There are almost 80 million bicycles in Germany. In 2018, far more than 4 million of them were sold. One million of them were e-bikes. Since March 16th, 2020, when the Corona restrictions were put in place, as many as 4.15 million cyclists were registered by counting machines in Berlin, which means their number rose by 10 percent compared to last year.

Bikes are great. They make people want to move more, they get rid of many calories and make their users more sexy. Cyclists get to know their own cities, also because it is easier to actually see things on bikes. The Germans have noticed. They now live in a country of cyclists.

By the way: The publication you are reading, The Berlin Spectator, was established in January of 2019. We have worked a whole lot, as you can see. But there has hardly been any income.As of May 7th, 2020, we made an average of 74 Euro per month since starting the project, which is far from enough.Would you consider contributing? We would be very thankful. If you like what we do and you want to support us, you can do soby clicking here(Paypal).Thank you so much!

]]>21560Berlin in the Corona Crisis: More Room for Bicyclistshttps://berlinspectator.com/2020/04/19/berlin-in-the-corona-crisis-more-room-for-bicyclists/
Sun, 19 Apr 2020 04:48:53 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=19166The city state of Berlin is in the process of adding temporary, wide bike lanes to several streets. That way, bicyclists can keep their distance from each other, just as they should.]]>

The city state of Berlin is in the process of adding temporary, wide bike lanes to several streets. That way, bicyclists can keep their distance from each other, just as they should.

During the Corona crisis, less cars and trucks are filling the streets of Berlin, but more bicycles. The Senate used the opportunity to do something it had planned long before the Corona crisis, namely giving bicyclists more room. Because people are supposed to keep their distance, in order to slow down the spread of the Corona virus, Berlin’s Environment and Transport Senator Regine Günther became active.

Makeshift Bike Lanes in Kreuzberg

Mostly on streets that were supposed to get real bike lanes at some point, the space for bicyclists was marked using red warning signs and provisional yellow street markings. That way people on bikes are protected from the cars and trucks on the other lanes.

Especially in Kreuzberg, but also in other parts of the German capital, stretches on several streets already have temporary, wide bicycle lanes:

Zossener Strasse

Hallesches Ufer

Petersburger Strasse

Lichtenberger Strasse

Gitschiner Strasse

Lichtenberger Strasse

Holzmarktstrasse

Several streets in Prenzlauer Berg

One of Berlin’s ‘Corona bike lanes’ was established in Gitschiner Strasse. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

Quick Implementation

Regine Günther recently said the purpose of the “pilot project” was to provide more room and therefore more safety for bicyclists. She stated the temporary lanes would be marked on streets on which wide bike lanes were going to be installed anyway.

In early 2019, Berlin had started establishing wide bicycle lanes in green, protected by bollards. But the Senate and the districts seemed to be busier discussing things than actually getting them done. At some point, the bike lane project was stalling.

Then the Corona crisis came. Governing Mayor Michael Müller’s center-left government coalition may be delaying decisions about the new Corona rules in the German capital, because of arguments, but the installation of those makeshift bicycle lanes did happen quickly indeed.

Lanes to Last Until End of May

Activists and an NGO dedicated to giving bicyclists more room, rights and safety had demanded action of this kind. The Berlin Senate’s general traffic concept includes wide bike lanes and ‘bicycle expressways’ anyway.

When Berlin’s Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district got some temporary bike lanes, Pankow and Prenzlauer Berg wanted some as well. The traffic management division at the Senate Administration for Traffic orders those lanes once the district mayors agree.

Before Corona, Berlin was supposed to get many bike lanes of this kind. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

Those temporary bicycle lanes are supposed to remain in place until the end of May. What happens afterwards depends on Corona, the traffic situation, and on Governing Mayor Müller’s coalition.

Surface of the Moon

Whatever happens, there is a lot of work ahead. Hundreds of miles of bicycle lanes in Berlin need to be repaired and widened. Many of them were built in the 1980s. By now they have more in common with Swiss cheese, the surface of the Moon or roads on the Balkans than with actual bike lanes.

By the way: The publication you are reading, The Berlin Spectator, was established in January of 2019. We have worked a whole lot, as you can see. But there has hardly been any income. This is something we urgently need to change. Would you consider contributing? We would be very thankful. Our donations page can be found here.

]]>19166Bicycle Expert Gunnar Fehlau: ‘Open Your Eyes’https://berlinspectator.com/2020/02/03/bicycle-expert-gunnar-fehlau-open-your-eyes/
Mon, 03 Feb 2020 15:52:36 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=14703Bicycling is clean, healthy and fun. It takes people from A to B or C, and back to A. It helps them stay in shape and enjoy nature. In Germany's big cities, bicycling also has its downsides. So far, most politicians do not give it the priority it deserves.]]>

Bicycling is clean, healthy and fun. It takes people from A to B or C, and back to A. It helps them stay in shape and enjoy nature. In Germany’s big cities, bicycling also has its downsides. So far, most politicians do not give it the priority it deserves.

What are the challenges bicyclists face? What are the dangers? What are the latest bicycle trends? A few months ahead of this year’s ‘Velo Berlin’ trade fair, Imanuel Marcus spoke to Gunnar Fehlau, a professional bicyclist of the German ‘Pressedienst Fahrrad’.

The Berlin Spectator: There are about 75 million bicycles in Germany. Many of them are being moved regularly. At least one of them is yours. What kind of bike do you ride in everyday life and why?

Gunnar Fehlau: Since I live and work in the same house, I don’t commute every day. Everyday life is very varied for me, so I ride a folding bike, a cargo bike, a city bike to the train station or a round of racing bikes or gravel bikes during my lunch break.

The Berlin Spectator: There are so many types of bikes it is easy to lose track. There are city bikes, trekking bikes, touring bikes, racing bikes, BMX bikes, bonanza bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, transport bikes and Dutch bikes. In addition, there are always new trends. What trend is currently the strongest?

Gunnar Fehlau: I see three trends: The first is electrification. Every type of bike is also available in a motorized version. The second trend is individualization, meaning bikes are being custom-built. If there is a main trend, it is the gravel bike, a racing bike with wider tires and therefore universal suitability even for bad roads. You can ride it like a racing bike, but away from the big roads. Many people like that. I am a big fan of this type of bike.

The Berlin Spectator: Millions of extras are being offered for cyclists, including airbag helmets. You demonstrated one of them at the last ‘Velo Berlin’ trade fair. What extras do you just need to have these days?

Gunnar Fehlau: Assuming that the bike already has lights, mudguards and other conventional extras, I would say you need a good lock. By the way: I like folding number locks, as they are very handy and perfectly safe for short parking. You need a helmet, a waterproof bag and a multi tool. It should not only work well, but preferably have no sharp edges, to make sure it does not damage other items in the bag.

The Berlin Spectator: Cycling is sustainable, healthy and fun. But the joy is sometimes clouded. In Berlin, there modern and wide bike lanes, but also bicycle paths built in the 1970s, which are hardly wider than ribbon pasta. On top of it all, you are being shaken like a daiquiri on those. What about the bicycle infrastructure in Germany?

Gunnar Fehlau: This is a hot topic. First of all, I would say that it is better not to have a special infrastructure for cyclists at all than a bad one. Above all, “symbol infrastructure” is bad. It is mostly being ordered for public presentations, by politicians who are desperate for admiration, and it usually has no real benefit for the cyclist. Of course there is good infrastructure too. But there is too little. In cities, the space for cycling infrastructure does not fall from the sky, it has to be taken from somewhere else.

Gunnar Fehlau: I would like to differentiate between individual strategy and overall aspects. First of all: Regardless of the legal situation or the potential question of guilt, I have to do everything to ensure that I don’t end up under the truck. That means: Open your eyes! If there is a truck at the traffic light or if one comes rolling in from behind, then the highest alarm level applies. Get out of the danger zone quickly, for instance on the sidewalk. Overall, it cannot be accepted that the victim has to change his behavior while the perpetrator does nothing. I am firmly convinced that truck drivers do not want to run over cyclists. They are overwhelmed by traffic and poor visibility conditions. The necessary consequence is: Wait, look, drive slowly. Legislators are not responsible here to.

The Berlin Spectator: The cyclists themselves are another danger. In Berlin, cyclists are responsible for around half of all accidents they are involved in. What observations do you make regarding misconduct on the bike?

Gunnar Fehlau: There are more and more cyclists in the city. This leads to a responsibility for the individual and for all cyclists, which we also have to accept. First of all, this means that the bike must meet the legal requirements in terms of equipment and condition. As a cyclist, I need to abide by the rules too. Then we need a portion of common sense. That way, 99% of cases of this kind should be avoidable.

The Berlin Spectator: Bicycle theft is an aspect that annoys us. In some cities things have gotten so bad that you should insure your bike. Could this problem be solved technically?

Gunnar Fehlau: Theft is a hot topic and also a very emotional one because it keeps people from buying bikes and thus from cycling. Here too, a combination of a good lock, a clever locking strategy and a modern infrastructure is required. The latter is in the hands of cities, municipalities, landlords, employers and business owners. In the past 40 years, a strong advantage was given to the car.

Give Gunnar Fehlau a bicycle and he will be happy. Photo: Pressedienst Fahrrad

The Berlin Spectator: How should the Germany of the near future look for you as a bicycle professional?

Gunnar Fehlau: The more people ride bicycles in the city, the better it will be. Every cyclist is one less driver. Every cyclist is visible, also as a voter. The turnaround in Germany will take place from bottom to top. Drive and get involved in associations and local politics and make the right choice!

The Berlin Spectator: What was the best bike tour you have ever participated in? What have you experienced and where? How far did you go?

Gunnar Fehlau: The best tour is always the next one. The main thing is to be on the go. I like to leave records, rankings and records to others.

By the way: The publication you are reading, The Berlin Spectator, was established in January of 2019. We have worked a whole lot, as you can see. But there has hardly been any income. This is something we urgently need to change. Would you consider contributing? We would be very thankful. Our donations page can be found here.

]]>14703Berlin: ‘Bicycle Expressways’ are the Senate’s Latest Ideahttps://berlinspectator.com/2019/12/11/berlin-bicycle-expressways-are-the-senates-latest-idea-1/
Wed, 11 Dec 2019 07:12:03 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=12320The Berlin Senate Administration for Transport intends to have eleven 'Bicycle Expressways' built. Those would connect the German capital's outskirts to the city center. A feasibility analysis was just completed.]]>

The Berlin Senate Administration for Transport intends to have eleven ‘Bicycle Expressways’ built. Those would connect the German capital’s outskirts to the city center. A feasibility analysis was just completed.

One thing is certain: The means of transport of the future is not the car, at least not as long it is mostly being propelled by gasoline or Diesel engines. On the other hand, the bicycle will definitely continue to move people back and forth in Berlin. The city state is in the process of giving it more room, more safety and more rights.

Speeding Up Bicycles

Now the Berlin Senate is working on a ‘bicycle Autobahn’, officially sold to the public as ‘Bicycle Expressway’. The idea is not to make bicyclists wait at every corner, but to give them their own streets they can use to get from one part of Berlin to the next quickly. In many cases, moving by bike is already faster than by car or public transport. This way, bicycles will be sped up more.

At this stage, the construction of as many as eleven Bicycle Expressways is being considered. Their construction might commence in four to five years from now. It is likely that the Greens, who are pushing projects of this kind, will still be in power in the city state of Berlin, considering the support they are still getting from voters, according to polls.

At this stage, Berlin is slowly extending its network of safe and green bike lanes. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

There is at least one unconventional aspect: One of those Expressways might run straight through Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most important sightseeing spots. So, will bicyclists just race through the Gate, in spite of the countless tourists present there at any given moment?

Argument About Brandenburg Gate

At this stage, this kind of approach is nothing more than a suggestion. But the pedestrians’ association ‘Fuss’ was already complaining, the RBB radio and TV network reports. The organization says the draft plan did not consider quality at all.

One of the most important spots in Berlin would be “cut into pieces” if 30,000 bicyclists per day moved across ‘Pariser Platz’ square at Brandenburg Gate, the association claims. Critics want the square to remain what it is, namely a place to stroll around at for pedestrians, a meeting point, a sightseeing spot around a historic object.

These are the proposed eleven Bicycle Expressways:

One would connect Schönefeld to the city center.

Another Bicycle Expressway would run alongside Teltow Canal and connect Stahnsdorf and Teltow to Berlin’s city center.

Potsdam and Wannsee would be connected to the city by the third one.

The West route would connect Spandau to the center. This is the Bicycle Expressway which might run straight through Brandenburg Gate.

The latter connection would basically be prolonged by a connection to the ‘Marzahn’ district, via ‘Landsberger Allee’.

Another connection from the west would be built alongside ‘Spandauer Damm’.

Yet another western Bicycle Expressway might be built at Berlin’s ‘Nonnendammallee’.

A fourth western route would lead from the northern part of ‘Spandau’ to the city center.

The latter connection might get a feeder road from Tegel.

One Bicycle Expressway from Pankow into the center is also part of the initial plans.

The eleventh connection would lead from ‘Karlshorst’ to the route from the east to Berlin’s city center.

Critics believe no Bicycle Expressway should run through Brandenburg Gate. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

Considering how long it takes Berlin to extend its network of green bike lanes, the big project might take centuries to complete, but it would be an important step.

By the way: The publication you are reading, The Berlin Spectator, was established in January of 2019. We have worked a whole lot, as you can see. But there has hardly been any income. This is something we urgently need to change. Would you consider contributing? We would be very thankful. Our donations page can be found here.

]]>12320Friedrichshafen: ‘Eurobike’ Trade Fair Presents Novelties and Trendshttps://berlinspectator.com/2019/09/03/friedrichshafen-eurobike-trade-fair-presents-novelties-and-trends/
Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:38:07 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=7549Due to the climate change and because German municipalities are finally giving bicyclists more room and safety, the bicycle business is strong. This applies to conventional bicycles, e-bikes and similar vehicles. In Friedrichshafen, Eurobike, the largest bicycle trade fair on the planet, is opening its gates on Wednesday.]]>

Due to the climate change and because German municipalities are finally giving bicyclists more room and safety, the bicycle business is strong. In Friedrichshafen, Eurobike, the largest bicycle trade fair on the planet, is opening its gates on Wednesday.

The southernmost spot in Germany is a beautiful area. In the area of Friedrichshafen, the countryside is picturesque, to say the least. Lake Constance and the two rivers Rotach and Schussen, which issue into the lake, are perfect photo objects and they motivate people to try water sports.

Countless Segments

On the slightly mountainous roads around the town of 61,000 inhabitants, especially the smaller ones, bicyclists are on their way every day. Some go to Austria or Switzerland, two neighboring countries located just around the corner, on the other side of the lake.

Friedrichshafen’s industrial part located in the neighborhood of the tiny airport is the scene of the Eurobike trade fair, which starts on Wednesday, September 4th, 2019. It is already the 28th edition. The events attract both members of the bicycle industry and consumers. This time around, more than 1400 exhibitors will be at Eurobike, and 70,000 to 80,000 visitors are being expected down there at the lake.

At Velo Berlin in May, the latest trends could be seen and tested.

Eurobike has countless segments. One is something called ‘Bike Biz Revolution’, which is actually a conference for important players in the industry and those who want to be. They will discuss the latest developments. This side event is supposed to create synergies and connect the bicycle industry with innovators and digitization experts.

Festival Day on Saturday

Consumers who find their way to Eurobike will be able to watch masters do their thing in the performance area. Here, they can experience so-called dirt jumps in the mud or the ‘Drop and Roll Tour’ on pavement, during which true artists show their coolest jumps and tricks.

No, Eurobike has not forgotten its customers of tomorrow. They can invade the Kids’ Area. While the tiniest kids can try walking bikes, older ones may work on their bicycling and safety skills or become creative in a bike workshop.

Bikes are the perfect means of transport. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

Private visitors can only visit the trade fair on Festival Day, which is Saturday, September 7th. Apart from the attractions above, they can check out the exhibition and follow the program the organizers put together.

Fairs in Taipei, Las Vegas, Berlin

Eurobike will have it all, including bicycles, e-bikes, mountain bikes, BMX bikes, transport bikes, racing bikes and e-scooters, but also accessories of all kinds, including helmets, bicycle trailers for kids and freight, parts, baskets, the right clothing, tire pumps and more. They have a bicycle tourism segment at this fair too.

There are not many important bicycle trade fairs in the world, but basically three only. One is Eurobike. The other two, namely Interbike in Las Vegas and the Taipei Cycle Show in Taiwan are hard to reach. In Germany, there is a comparable event though: Velo Berlin calls itself a ‘bike festival’, but it is actually a trade fair too, which takes place in May at Tempelhof Airport in the German capital.

Berlin recently installed green bike lanes. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

One thing is certain: The bicycle is becoming more important than it already was. As gasoline prices rise and air pollution finally became a subject discussed by everyone, the bike has become the perfect means of transport. Big cities like Berlin and Hamburg already assign entire streets to bikes. They widen bike lanes and make them safer.

Eurobike will take place from September 4th to 7th, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Its website is accessible here. Tickets are available from 13 Euro, for a single adult, to 35 Euro for an entire family and access to all areas.

Do not touch my bicycle. Don’t steal it, don’t crash into it. Don’t call my bicycle old or ugly. Don’t even look at it. My bike is mine, and it means so much to me. It is my means of transport, my transport vehicle for groceries, my training tool and my friend.

My bicycle is a Berliner, just like you. It deserves respect. Get out of my way when I come along. “I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike. I want to ride my bicycle. I want to ride it where I like.” I always hated Queen, but they did have a point when they recorded ‘Bicycle Race’ in 1978.

Hot Shots vs. Slowpokes

Get your own damned bicycle. And, when you do, remember bike lanes are not reserved for hot shots like you only. Any son of a gun who wants to overtake me may do so, but he or she needs to wait for the right moment. Don’t just try to push me out of the way.

I am one of millions of Berliners who place their behinds on their bikes. Within this city, a total of 1.6 million trips were being taken by bicycle in 2013. I am not part of those, because I was not in Berlin yet. New numbers are expected in 2020. Bet your e-bike I will be in there somewhere.

Have I crashed into anyone with my lovely bicycle, so far? No. Was I hit by a car or truck? No. Guys, this is serious. Statistically speaking, one of us bicyclists dies on the streets of Berlin every month. Don’t ever get near large trucks, especially when they intend to take right turns.

The Right Direction

Oh, it’s a matter of principle? You have the right of way and you will outrun the truck? Maybe. But you could get killed. Get out of that truck’s way, even if you have to wait at the traffic light, as a result.

Let’s be a lot more careful, generally. One might think cars, trucks and other vehicles keep on crashing into us. Wrong. They do, but we, the bicyclists of Berlin, are responsible for about half of all accidents in which we are involved. In 2018, there were around 8200 accidents with bicycles. In almost 4200 cases, it was our fault. Ouch!

Hey, this is Berlin. They are building wider and safer bike lanes and so-called bicycle streets. The city has understood we need more room, more rights and more respect. Things are moving in the right direction. So are we. At the Berlin Senate, they are even discussing ‘bicycle highways’.

There will be enough room on those. So, yes, overtake me. Do whatever you want. Just don’t touch my bike.

Note: The data mentioned in this column were part of an official answer the Berlin Senate sent to Maik Penn, a member of the Berlin House of Representatives, this week.He had handed in an inquiry.

]]>6989Berlin: ‘Bicycle Streets’ Spread in ‘Neukölln’ Districthttps://berlinspectator.com/2019/08/01/berlin-bicycle-streets-spread-in-neukolln-district/
Thu, 01 Aug 2019 03:53:56 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=6594Houston, we have a problem: The conversion will be a little more difficult than it might seem. This street does have bike lanes on its sidewalks, but they are old-fashioned, far too narrow and badly damaged by tree roots. Therefore they have to go. Also 'Weserstrasse' is a cobble stone street. That kind of surface is any bicyclist's worst enemy.]]>

Improving the conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists has been part of the Berlin Senate’s priorities for a while now. Governing Mayor Michael Müller’s left-wing coalition is implementing its traffic concept step by step. It will make things more difficult and expensive for drivers. But cycling is being made great again, with a new ‘Cycling Street’.

At any intersection in Berlin’s Neukölln borough, bicycles are a common sight. In fact, thousands of them move around all over the place and all the time. So far, things are not that easy for those who cherish the greenest means of transportation available. Cyclists need to get around parked vehicles, they are constantly being overtaken by buses and cars, and they are inhaling emissions coming out of their exhaust pipes.

More Rights and Safety

In order to improve the situation for the growing number of bicyclists, Berlin is taking several steps. On some streets, including ‘Hasenheide’ and ‘Karl Marx Strasse’, the municipality installed green bike lanes, which are much wider than conventional ones. Also they are protected with pillars. More of those are coming.

Another step is being implemented: Traffic light circuits in Berlin’s city center are being changed. Cars will have to wait at red lights more, bicycles and pedestrians less.

‘Weigandufer’ is a ‘Bicycle Street’ already. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

In addition, ‘Weigandufer’, a smaller street in Neukölln, was recently converted into a ‘Bicycle Street’. What this means is that cyclists have more rights, and they can rely on more safety.

This is what the rules are in Berlin’s ‘Bicycle Streets’:

Bicycles have the right of way.

Drivers have to adapt to the bikes’ speed.

Bicyclists are allowed to ride next to each other, even when a car is behind them.

Only residents of a ‘Bicycle Street’ are allowed to enter it by car.

Bicyclists‘ Worst Enemy

As it turns out, things are working quite well at ‘Weigand Ufer’. That is why the next ‘Bicycle Street’ will be prepared, namely ‘Weserstrasse’. It is a parallel street, located a bit closer to ‘Sonnenallee’.

Cobble stones and bicycles are not compatible. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

Houston, we have a problem: The conversion will be a little more difficult than it might seem. This street does have bike lanes on its sidewalks, but they are old-fashioned, far too narrow and badly damaged by tree roots. Therefore they have to go. Also ‘Weserstrasse’ is a cobble stone street. That kind of surface is any bicyclist’s worst enemy.

What this means is that the cobble stones will be replaced by asphalt, even though the stones look much nicer. And it means there will be a big mess during the construction period. On ‘Weserstrasse’, this affects the stretch between ‘Pannierstraße’ and ‘Thiemannstraße’. Another part of ‘Weserstrasse’ was already converted a while ago.

Next week, the ‘Neukölln’ district authority will inform residents about the details of the construction plans.

]]>6594Berlin: Thousands of Bicyclists Demand New Traffic Policyhttps://berlinspectator.com/2019/06/02/berlin-thousands-of-bicyclists-demand-new-traffic-policy/
Sun, 02 Jun 2019 15:04:50 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=4850Up to 90,000 bicyclists took part in the protest, according to the organizers, but the Berlin Police Directorate believes less than a third actually joined. In sunny weather and at 32 degrees Centigrade (90 degrees Fahrenheit), most protesters on wheels were sweating a lot when they reached 'Tiergarten'.]]>

Tens of thousands of bicyclists arrived at Berlin’s Victory Column in the large ‘Tiergarten’ park this afternoon. They came from all directions. Many of them covered more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) when they came in from Brandenburg province, others just joined the rally in Berlin.

The purpose of the event organized by the Association of German Bicyclists (ADFC) was demanding more room and a new traffic policy. Indeed, the number of inhabitants and cars in Berlin is constantly growing. The authorities are having trouble keeping up with the growth while the implementation of their partially good ideas takes too long, according to some.

Up to 90,000 bicyclists took part in the protest, according to the organizers, but the Berlin Police Directorate believes less than a third actually joined. In sunny weather and at 32 degrees Centigrade (90 degrees Fahrenheit), most protesters on wheels were sweating a lot when they reached ‘Tiergarten’.

There were 19 official cycling routes to the meeting point. Police even blocked parts of Berlin’s city freeways to car traffic in order to let bicyclists use those roads. Even highways in Brandenburg were reserved for cyclists only on Sunday.

Some participants came all the way from Leipzig. In order to get to Berlin on time, they cycled through the night.

Tens of thousands made it to the Victory Column. Photo: Imanuel Marcus

The annual bicycle protest commenced in 1977, shortly after the oil crisis shocked Western Europeans. Since, a lot has happened. Recently, bicycle traffic in Berlin has been growing a lot faster than the infrastructure could be modernized and extended.

The three-way left-wing coalition governing the city state of Berlin is working on improvements. This year, the authorities started installing wide, protected and green bike lanes which are supposed to make cycling a lot safer.

In Berlin, the modernization of the city’s bike lane system is something the boroughs are responsible for. Some, such as Kreuzberg, are acting rather quickly, while others are not. The Berlin Senate’s intends to ban cars from parts of the city center, in order to give more space to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Today’s big event impeded car traffic a lot. Residents waited for city buses for up to an hour. Street traffic came to a complete standstill in several areas. Ahead of the bicyclists’ rally, the authorities had asked people to use public transportation instead of cars.

At least rally participants were not impeded at all. Bicycle enthusiasts of all ages took part in the protest.

]]>4850‘VELOBerlin’: Visiting the Mecca for Bicycle Enthusiastshttps://berlinspectator.com/2019/04/27/veloberlin-visiting-the-mecca-for-bicycle-enthusiasts/
Sat, 27 Apr 2019 13:58:09 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=4155As Berlin is trying to convert itself from a car city to one which wants to rely on alternative and greener means of transport more, there are just the right products, including transport bicycles, transport trailers for bikes and even rickshaws. For those who want to feel like Dennis Hopper or Peter Fonda, there are chopper bikes.]]>

Entering the premises from Tempelhof Airfield is easier for visitors living in Berlin’s Neukölln or Friedrichshain boroughs. ‘VELOBerlin’, the bicycle trade fair which calls itself a festival, has so much room. Hundreds of previously owned bikes are being sold here.

A few meters away, the racing track around the only remaining ‘Raisin Bomber’ at Tempelhof Airport is a popular spot. Little boys need to compete, and bigger ones obviously too. Some 30 very fast cyclists in those typical rubber suits are racing by several times in a row.

The testing ground is probably the most important place at the trade fair. Here, all of those bicycles offered, including e-bikes, racing bikes, tandems, transport bikes and other bikes, can be ridden and checked. Hundreds of visitors took that opportunity on Saturday.

Safety is an important subject. Right at the airfield entrance to ‘VELOBerlin’, Matthias Cygon stands in front of a large truck and a simulated, deadly bicycle accident. He explains how drivers of large trucks have a blind spot in spite of all the mirrors installed on their vehicles.

As they approach the intersection, the blind spot moves, meaning they can not see cyclists in certain positions, who might be moving towards the same intersection next to the truck. For people on bikes, the safest thing to do is to stay away from trucks, even if this means waiting a bit longer. In reality, bicyclists are being overrun and killed. Awareness is the key to less accidents of this kind.

Inside Tempelhof Airport’s enormous hangers no. 5 and 6, a total of 300 exhibitors are presenting their products. Those include accessories such as bike locks, helmets and that kind of thing, but mainly bicycles in all price ranges. Electric touring bikes start at around 2000 Euro (2233 Dollars or 1728 Pounds), but spending 6000 Euro (6698 Dollars or 5185 Pounds) for a more fancy one is no problem at all, for those who are willing and able to invest.

As Berlin is trying to convert itself from a car city to one which wants to rely on alternative and greener means of transport more, there are just the right products, including transport bicycles, transport trailers for bikes and even rickshaws. For those who want to feel like Dennis Hopper or Peter Fonda, there are chopper bikes.

An interesting, more affordable alternative are the single speed bikes Sven Hoffmann from the Hamburg-based company Bonvelo is trying to sell. For 349 Euro (390 Dollars or 302 Pounds), he is offering nice looking bikes which will not need maintenance for a long time, since they do not have 12 speeds. Therefore they are far less damageable. Single speed bikes are fast enough for cities, Hoffmann assures those who come to his stand. A smart idea.

Yet another trend are bicycles made of wood or composite material. Hans Fokdal came all the way from Copenhagen to introduce these kinds of bikes to ‘VELOBerlin’ visitors. And he seems to be managing to get the attention of many.

‘VELOBerlin’ will be open today until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Tickets are 9 Euro (10 Dollars or 7.79 Pounds)

]]>4155‘VELOBerlin’: Bicycle Trade Fair to Commence this Weekhttps://berlinspectator.com/2019/04/22/veloberlin-bicycle-trade-fair-to-commence-this-week-1/
Mon, 22 Apr 2019 06:42:02 +0000https://berlinspectator.com/?p=3925This coming weekend, a bike festival will take place at Berlin's Tempelhof Airport. 'VELOBerlin' is actually a bicycle trade fair they call festival since that word sounds less commercial and more politically correct. ]]>

In Berlin, the ninth edition of a ‘bicycle festival’ called ‘VELOBerlin’ will take place this week. Hundreds of bikes of many different kinds can be stared at and tested.

Berlin is a paradise for bicyclists in the sense that absolutely everyone has at least one bike. Many residents use them on a daily basis as their main means of transport. Parents take their children to the kindergarten by bicycle. Many MPs go to the Bundestag on two wheels.

Going to the office by bike, going biking by bike, doing everything by bike is what countless Berliners do. Some forget where they parked their bicycle and never find it again. Others have theirs stolen, in order to find it at a flea market days later.

“I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike, I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like.” The band Queen’s motto is the one many Berliners are living. But there is a part which does not make Berlin a paradise of bicycles at all. It’s the infrastructure.

The Berlin Senate and mayors in some of the city’s boroughs have started installing some green, protected and wide bike lanes. Those are attractive, but they only cover a tiny fraction of Berlin’s streets so far. Many of the old bike lanes need to be refurbished. There are still too many cars in the city center, and too many accidents. Bicyclists even die on Berlin streets.

‘VELOBerlin’ deals with bicycles, bicycles and bicycles. Photo by ‘VELOBerlin’

It will take a while until the Senate’s efforts to turn Berlin into a more bicycle-friendly city lead to real changes. Only the first steps in that direction are being implemented these days. According to the politicians in charge, this is the beginning of a traffic transition which will give bicycles and pedestrians more space and safety.

This coming weekend, a bike festival will take place at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport. ‘VELOBerlin’ is actually a bicycle trade fair they call festival since that word sounds less commercial and more politically correct.

‘VELOBerlin’ gives people the opportunity to look at bikes presented at the stands of a total of 300 exhibitors, but also try them on proving grounds installed right there at the event. There are bicycles of different kinds by as many as 500 brands.

Visitors can try regular city bikes, mountain bikes, touring bikes, e-bikes, transport bikes, children’s bikes, BMX bikes, racing bikes, unicycles and trailers for bikes. At ‘VELOBerlin’ children can join competitions for safe cycling, on either small bikes or balance bicycles for the smallest ones, while their parents have the opportunity to join transport bicycle riding classes or e-bike training sessions. Oh yes, they thought of everything.

There are group rides from different starting points to the ‘VELOBerlin’ site. Some 170 bicyclists are even scheduled to ride hundreds of miles. They will be coming to Berlin on their two-wheeled, self-propelled vehicles from Hamburg, Lübeck, Rostock and other cities in northern Germany.

At ‘VELOBerlin’, Johanna Jahnke und Marion Dziwnik from Hamburg will offer a presentation and a photo exhibition about a long bicycle race they participated in, and won, last year. It took them all the way from Belgium to Greece via countless stopovers, a trip of 4000 kilometers (2485 miles).

On top of it all, startup companies will present their latest inventions which might change the way we right bikes in the foreseeable future.

This the Berlin, the most politically correct place in Germany. Therefore vegan burgers will be offered at the trade fair, but also proper food such as pasta and burritos. Calories can not just be lost while bicycle riding. They need to come in first.